ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13215, 28 June 1906, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Notwithstanding the adverse climatic conditions there was again a large audience at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, and it was quite evident that the popular pantomime, "Sinbad the Sailor," has by no means outstayed its welcome. The programme last evening was changed in several respects. Messrs.. Morris and Wilson received a demonstration of approval for (heir acrobatic Chinese frolics, the performers, who were attired in Chinese costumes, occasioning much merriment by their comical antics. The favourites, Messrs. Lennon, Hyman, and Lcnnon, appeared in a new turn, one of club swinging and juggling, and at the conclusion of their performance they were accorded a salvo of applause. ' The Musical Gardners" staged an entirely new programme, one of their best items being a selection, on. two French horns, from "II Trovatore." A new ballet, entitled " Money," and headed by tho Bicknells, was a pretty and fascinating number, and was received with a genera! chorus of applause. Mr. Tod Callaway appeared with a new song, and the Gothams also staged a new turn. The programme was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and had th* management allowed the encores called for, the performance would have been pro-. traded until much later than" usual. A SEASON OF DRAMA. Mr. William Anderson's dramatic organisation will inaugurate a season oi drama at His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday evening next. The opening production is the stirring story ot the Egyptian campaign, entitled, "The Ladder 01 info," or "Gordons to the Front." which introduces the famous storming of the heights of Dargai. "The Ladder of Life" is .-.aid to he a play full of vigorous action, strong characterisat.on, and admirable spectacular effects. The company is an exceptionally strong one, headed by Mr. Harry Diver, and lielene Burdette. The. box plan opens at Messrs. Wildman and Arey's on Monday morning. OPERA HOUSE. In .spite of bad weather a large number of people assembled last night at the Opera House. The. programme was well received. The Bovis Brothers were the cause of a great deal of laughter, and their comic boxing act was cleverly done. Great interest was taken in the strength feats of Mr. McLean. On Friday night a weight-lifting contest for amateurs will be. held, when Mr. John Fuller will present the winnei with a handsome gold medal. . , CHUBB'S PICTURES. A fine collection of pictures of. San Francisco, before and after the earthquake and fire, was shown at the Choral Hall last night. There was not a large, attendance. The pictures included street scenes, full of life and movement, when the city was in the height of. its prosperity and glory; but the views shown of twisted iron, shattered stone, charred wood, and smoking rubbish heaps, gave an excellent idea of the devastation caused by the fire and earthquake. They revealed miles of scree's in ruins, with people wandering aimlessly about the wreckage, some gathering up the remnants of their homes. Again, pictures were shown of the refugee camps, with tho people surrounded by their lares et penate-s. Air. Clnibb also gave an animated picture of what purported to be Chinatown before the earthquake. The earthquake, he said, revealed the astonishing fact that under many of the Chinese places'large excavations .hud been made unknot.vn inmost people, and there were three or four floors below the street level, in which were temples,'theatres, and opium dens, all well' ventilated, 'and lighted by electricity. When the earthquake happened, said Mr. Chubb, the militia were called out, and from an intensely democratic city San Francisco hecam, autocratic in its worse sense. There were. murder, outrage, looting, and insanity en every hand. The militia shot down people oftentimes for doing nothing at all. A woman who wanted to rush into a burning house against orders was bayoneted. Again, a deaf man, who could not bear an order to. move on, was shot dead, and a merchant going into his office to get out, some papers was also killed. The regular troops, however, took charge, and did good work in a systematic , way; hut .15- anon who were innocently sightseeing "were shot dead. The fire, consumed an area of seven .square miles. There was one cinematograph picture of. the ruined city. In addition to the San Francisco slides some views of Honolulu were shown. The pictures will be shown again next Saturday at the Choral Hall. PALACE OF AMUSEMENTS. Skaters attended the three sessions at the Palace of Amusements yesterday in large numbers. The weather during the past couple of weeks has been ideal for this particular pastime. The Onchuiiga branch attracted a fair attendance last, evening. A number of novelties are to be provided on Saturday night at the Otahuhu rink, which i 3 to be under the supervision of Mr. J. W. Martin. PERRY'S BIORAMA. Major Perry's biorama attracted a large audience last evening to the Salvation Army Hall, in Albert-street. The pictures were much appreciated, and applause was vociferous and frequent. The views of San Francisco, taken after the fire, were exceptionally pood, ami met with the warm approval of the audience. The musical items, which included illustrated songs, were excellent. W.Y.M.I. CONCERT. The fourth animal concert in connection with the Wesley Young Men's Institute was held in the Methodist Hall, Pitt-street, las! night. Despite the unfavourable weather, there was a large attendance. An excellent vocal and instrumental programme was submitted. Mr. Alan MeElwain was heartily applauded for his humorous recitals, i.wo of (hem being " An Awful Experience With a Whistler" and "Uncle Josh on Society." Dr. Hugh Keith was heard to advantage in " Yestor Year." as was also Mr. Chas. W. MncGowan in "The Pretty Creature." The duel, "Watchman, What cf the Night," by Dr. Keith and Mr. W. Manning was also ably rendered. Other items were contributed by Mrs. Edgar, Miss Millie Peak, Mr. Geo. Sly, and by the W.Y.M.T. orchestra, which was conducted by Mr. 11. E. Light, F.G.O. The accompanists wore Misses Essie Holland, K. Muldoon, and Mr. A. Peak. MISS JENNIE ARNDT'S RECITAL. . The full programme of Miss Arndt's dramatic recital, which takes place to-morrow evening in the Y.M.C.A. Rail, is published in our advertising columns to-day. The programme is of a varied and interesting character, and in addition to other attractions, contains a number of scenes from Shakespere, some of which have been introduced by request. Miss Arndt will bo assisted by Miss Madeline Knight and Mr. ,T. M. Clark. A PLEASANT GATHERING. A very pleasant function took place at the Strand Cafe on Tuesday evening, when the employees, of Messrs. ts. M. Smeeton, Ltd., were entertained at dinner by the managing director (Mr. H. M. Smeeton). The following programme was drown up for the even-ing:—-Toast. "The King;" pianoforte solo, Mr. J. McGuire; song. "The Holy City," Mr. Y. Elliott; toast, "Our Managing Director," Mr. .1. Kelso; mouth organ solo, Mr. E. Neil: toast, "Our Directors," responded to by Mr. J. G. Wright: song, "Let Mo Like a Soldier Fall." Mr. W. Broberg; song, "Come. Beloved," Mr. E. Sterner; toast, "The Staff," responded to by Mr. C. W. Walker; clarionet to solo, " Ora Pro Nobis," Mr. A. Lucas; song, "Queen of the Earth," Mr. S. Morley : toast, " Success to the Firm," Mi. F. Crespin : song, The Skipper's Flag Mr. H. C. Robinson: toast, "The Press'" Mr. G. Bonbon: and "Aultl Lang Syne." In responding to the to.a&t, "Our Managing Director," Mr. Smeeton comments' upon the harmonious feeling that existed among the staff and between employer and employee. This was a-- necessary in tho success of a business as to the happiness of the home, and he- Imped this unanimity would be one of the abiding features of the house. One unexpected item was introduced, coming as a pleasant surprise to Mr. C. W. Walker, popularly known as the "father of the house." His fellow employees .bought this a splendid opportunity to present, him with a token of the regard which iliev entertain towards him. and in recognition of his unfailing courtesy during his long connection with the firm. The presentation, which took the form of a comfortable easy chair, was made on behalf of. the staff by Mi. Smeeton. The evening's enjoyment was brought.to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Sync."